Covid protocols - ‘Govt money wanted’

[jambokev]

Aberdeen and Celtic to be demoted to Championship, their remaining fixtures to be filled by Hearts and Partick Thistle.

Get the balance right. 

[ToadKiller Dog]

Don't worry the SPFL are to fast track new punishment rules for players and clubs who break covid regulations they hope to have them in place for mid October. 

 

Just as I was to post above as a joke 

2 minutes ago, ritchies75 said:

Scottish Government statement:
https://www.gov.scot/news/professional-football-suspended/
"............The SPFL has also agreed to put in place punitive measures that can be implemented so they can directly take action against players in the event of further rule breaches"

 

[Riccarton3]

1 minute ago, ToadKiller Dog said:

Don't worry the SPFL are to fast track new punishment rules for players and clubs who break covid regulations they hope to have them in place for mid October. 

 

Just as I was to post above as a joke 

 

That is utterly extraordinary that that isn t already in place given that breaches can shut the whole circus down. They are ******* unbelievable. 

 

Elite sport, my arse

[Gmcjambo]

5 minutes ago, henryheart said:

 

Spot on. Even the smallest of businesses will have decided what to do in certain circumstances but this high profile and so smart organisation that pays a Chief Exec more than £400k salary appears not to have protocols in place to deal with positive tests and breaches of agreed procedures.This would have enables swift statements to have been released after each incident and the Government would not have needed to get involved in any way. I'm flabergasted!

Spot on.   Time and time again they show that they are not fit for purpose.  Where is the accountability!

[tian447]

5 minutes ago, ToadKiller Dog said:

Don't worry the SPFL are to fast track new punishment rules for players and clubs who break covid regulations they hope to have them in place for mid October. 

 

Just as I was to post above as a joke 

 

 

Just in time to fine Hearts £2.5 Million for a player sneezing before a kick off.

 

Great!

[The Real Maroonblood]

14 minutes ago, Nookie Bear said:

Seems harsh. 
 

But they backed Doncaster’s actions against us...so **** ‘em 😁

This.

[Lone Striker]

58 minutes ago, Pasquale for King said:

Spot on, nobody should be punished unfairly it’s a pandemic. 

🤭 ha-ha..... seem to recall hearing that before, somehow.

 

,

[Biko]

The bit at the bottom of the SG statement would appear to be another kick in the teeth for us.

 

Background

Clubs will be permitted to train as usual but bounce/friendly matches will not be allowed.

[indianajones]

**** the lot of them. 

 

Can't wait for the arse to fall out that league shortly. 

 

Medicine etc. 

[Zen Jambo]

7 minutes ago, brunoatemyhamster said:

Can't believe people are trying to pass the blame for this onto the government. 

The correct course of action was to award St Johnstone the 3 points in the first place, but for some absolutely mental reason they decided to set the postponement precedent, and make the situation worse. 

Fxxk the lots of them. 

Total embarrassment from top to bottom. 

 

9 minutes ago, jambopilms said:

Why add to the fixture congestion when you can just award the match to the opposition. Can't afford to mess around, but they will.

Absolutely. If there had been a breach of the rules, the offending clubs should be punished, not their opponents. Completely unfair on opposition, no matter who they are. 
 

Only way this can be mitigated is if guilty players contracts terminated. 
 

Some may see that as harsh but they deserve 0% help. 

[ritchies75]

1 minute ago, Biko said:

The bit at the bottom of the SG statement would appear to be another kick in the teeth for us.

 

Background

Clubs will be permitted to train as usual but bounce/friendly matches will not be allowed.

I wasnt sure if that applied to all clubs or just Aberdeen and Celtic?

[manaliveits105]

“In the event of further breaches”

i e Ceptic and the sheep get off Scot free

 

[Paolo]

It would be wrong if clubs were punished unfairly because of this.  

[The Real Maroonblood]

1 minute ago, Paolo said:

It would be wrong if clubs were punished unfairly because of this.  

[Diadora Van Basten]

9 minutes ago, Biko said:

The bit at the bottom of the SG statement would appear to be another kick in the teeth for us.

 

Background

Clubs will be permitted to train as usual but bounce/friendly matches will not be allowed.

[LarrysRightFoot]

Got to remember only 12 clubs in Scotland are allowed to play just now. What happens in October when the other 30 are back and those players are in the public eye.

 

Most League 1 and 2 players are part time so clubs will have no control over there where abouts when not playing or training.

[Diadora Van Basten]

Unbelievable we have been punished for Celtic and Aberdeen breaching COVID.

 

We only have two weeks between the season starting and the Scottish Cup semi final and have now been banned from playing friendlies.

[flecktimus]

Is this a punishment or are they sticking to Covid -19 health rules. If Aberdeen and Celtic are having games postponed for Covid-19 health reasons then surely Kilmarnock cant play.

[gashauskis9]

SG adopting a three strikes policy on Scottish football, and yet the SPFL does **** all about it other than postponing games.  Guarantee that the next team that breaches the rules will end up with a points deduction and massive fine.

[heartened]

Rod Petrie, Chair of the JRG: “The Joint Response Group has acted swiftly and decisively in addressing the latest concerns raised by the minister on behalf of Scottish Government. While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.

“The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols. We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.

“That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country. It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game.

“We sympathise with the position this puts the Scottish Government in as the country is tentatively easing its way out of lockdown restrictions.

 

Is that not official SFA opinion that the game has been brought into disrepute?

 

They didn't waste any time bringing charges against us. Surely swift decisive action is required to send a robust message to all potential transgressors.

Edited August 11, 2020 by heartened
spelling

[redjambo]

1 minute ago, gashauskis9 said:

SG adopting a three strikes policy on Scottish football, and yet the SPFL does **** all about it other than postponing games.  Guarantee that the next team that breaches the rules will end up with a points deduction and massive fine.

 

As long as it's not Celtic of course. Any further transgressions by any of their players will be considered a continuation of the second strike and any infections as somehow having originated with Bolingoli. Or am I being too cynical?

[Lone Striker]

23 minutes ago, Biko said:

The bit at the bottom of the SG statement would appear to be another kick in the teeth for us.

 

Background

Clubs will be permitted to train as usual but bounce/friendly matches will not be allowed.

Why has the SG reaction to Dons & Sellick players misdemeanours resulted in this statement ?  The 12 teams already playing SPFL matches are not playing bounce/friendly games.   If the SG are referring to teams in the  leagues which start in October .........  what's the difference in risk between us playing a friendly against  (e.g)  Partick Thistle compared to the risk of playing the first  competitive game  against Dundee a week later ?        Am I missing something about all this nonsense ?     

[NANOJAMBO]

2 hours ago, ritchies75 said:

 

During discussions this morning with the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing a request was received – and subsequently agreed by the Joint Response Group – for the postponement of the following fixtures:

Wednesday 12 August
Aberdeen v Hamilton Academical
St Mirren v Celtic

Saturday 15 August
Aberdeen v Celtic

These matches have been postponed in light of ongoing restrictions in Aberdeen and today’s news of a breach of government public health guidance and football protocols involving the Celtic FC player, Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo.

During further discussions today with the Minister and government advisers, the JRG has offered to work on a range of measures – which will involve the whole of professional football in Scotland - to underpin a commitment to raising public health awareness and reaffirm the collective responsibility of the national game.

Rod Petrie, Chair of the JRG: “The Joint Response Group has acted swiftly and decisively in addressing the latest concerns raised by the minister on behalf of Scottish Government. While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.

“The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols. We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.

“That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country. It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game.

“We sympathise with the position this puts the Scottish Government in as the country is tentatively easing its way out of lockdown restrictions.

“We agree wholeheartedly with the unequivocal message relayed to managers and captains by the National Clinical Director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, last night. Clubs and players are in no doubt that there is now no more margin for error and no more scope for further breaches.

“Since March, the Joint Response Group has worked hand-in-hand with government advisers and medical experts to ensure a safe return for the professional game, with clubs undertaking to fulfil their obligations.

“Players must heed the warning of the First Minister that this is a yellow-card moment for Scottish football.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive: “We have only been able to restart matches thanks to the enormous efforts and sacrifices of literally thousands of people across the Scottish game. For anyone to put that in jeopardy in such a thoughtless and selfish manner is just beyond belief.

“The vast majority of players and officials who have strictly observed the necessary restrictions will rightly see this as a real kick in the teeth. 

“Everyone knows that this season’s fixture schedule is already horrendously tight without having to reschedule matches because of the irresponsible actions of a handful of players.”

BUT still no punishments for Dons or Celtic.

It is absolutely scandalous. 

This isn't a regulatory or governing body in any shape or form. 

 

And STILL Doncaster refers to the JRG as though it is some 3rd party over which the SPFL has no control or involvement. 

[Gordon Ramsay]

14 minutes ago, heartened said:

Rod Petrie, Chair of the JRG: “The Joint Response Group has acted swiftly and decisively in addressing the latest concerns raised by the minister on behalf of Scottish Government. While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.

“The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols. We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.

“That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country. It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game.

“We sympathise with the position this puts the Scottish Government in as the country is tentatively easing its way out of lockdown restrictions.

 

Is that not official SFA opinion that the game has been brought into disrepute?

 

They didn't waste any time bringing charges against us. Surely swift decisive action is required to send a robust message to all potential transgressors.

 

What reputation? 🤣🤣🤣

 

Hibs ****. 

[MarkDevriesScores4]

They can’t in reality punish the next club that this happens at if they have clearly ignored punishment for Celtic and Aberdeen. 
 

that would be double standards which surely wouldn’t happen at the SPFL?

 

Its clearly acceptable for two of the biggest clubs in the country to ignore the rules. Can’t really punish the next lot that just happen to not be Celtic or Aberdeen.

[Don Dan]

Is it any wonder Scottish football is rubbish when you witness the the fiascos that we have witnessed over the past few months. 

[NANOJAMBO]

26 minutes ago, Diadora Van Basten said:

Unbelievable we have been punished for Celtic and Aberdeen breaching COVID.

 

We only have two weeks between the season starting and the Scottish Cup semi final and have now been banned from playing friendlies.

But according to the sheep shagging pr1ck that haunts this place the other clubs aren't  being held accountable. How wrong can you be - no punishment for Sheep/CFC but other clubs are still banned from playing. 

Absolute feckin joke of a set up. 

[David Black]

The fact that no other Celtic player has tested positive yet, means only that, YET. If 1 or 2 were to test positive in the next day or two, the 14 day quarantine rule would kick in which would mean their Champions League game would be cancelled and under EUFA guidelines, Celtic would have to forfeit the tie. 

[DETTY29]

3 minutes ago, NANOJAMBO said:

BUT still no punishments for Dons or Celtic.

It is absolutely scandalous. 

This isn't a regulatory or governing body in any shape or form. 

 

And STILL Doncaster refers to the JRG as though it is some 3rd party over which the SPFL has no control or involvement. 

So it is player fault only and not club responsibility.....

[The Real Maroonblood]

2 minutes ago, David Black said:

The fact that no other Celtic player has tested positive yet, means only that, YET. If 1 or 2 were to test positive in the next day or two, the 14 day quarantine rule would kick in which would mean their Champions League game would be cancelled and under EUFA guidelines, Celtic would have to forfeit the tie. 

That would be a shame if they had to forfeit the tie.

[HMFC01]

Quote

Linfield could receive Champions League bye after qualifier against FC Drita postponed due to positive Covid-19 tests

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53739017

 

Not the same as Celtics case since they don't have positive results but they surely have to qurantine.

 

it's actually an interesting story, 1 player tested negative first time then second time was positive.

 

Linfield's Champions League preliminary round game against FC Drita was postponed little more than an hour before the kick-off after their Kosovan opponents were hit by a Covid-19 issue.

A Uefa statement said that the decision had been taken after two FC Drita players tested positive for Covid-19.

The European tie was scheduled to take place in the Swiss city of Nyon.

The game had been set to go ahead in Switzerland despite Drita's first positive Covid-19 test last Friday.

However, Uefa said that the second positive test on Monday prompted the Swiss authorities to put the whole Kosovan team into quarantine.

"The player, who tested positive yesterday (Monday 10 August) had previously produced a negative test for Covid-19," continued the Uefa statement.

"The matter will now be submitted to the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body, for a decision to be taken in accordance with Annex I of the 2020/21 Uefa Champions League regulations, which was approved by the Uefa Executive Committee last week."

The winners of the tie will be away to Polish club Legia Warsaw in the first qualifying round.

The Irish Premiership champions qualified for Tuesday's scheduled tie by beating San Marino champions Tre Fiori 2-0 in Nyon on Saturday.

Edited August 11, 2020 by HMFC01

[Beast Boy]

1 hour ago, Taffin said:

 

Yeh, I'm just saying whatever those rules are don't seem to be overly logical as England managed to finish their season, despite positive tests, yet Scotland are postponing games where there hasn't even been positive tests.

 

I guess it's in line with the wider approach that Scotland has taken in being stricter about it all...yet despite this approach there seems to be regular issues either within the football context or what's happened in Aberdeen.

 

I sort of get the Celtic one as Boli has exposed himself to a wider group by going to Spain and the associated risks, but surely that needs to apply to Kilmarnock then as he was in contact with their players and their facilities. The Aberdeen one makes no sense to me at all.

[Taffin]

3 minutes ago, Beast Boy said:

 

Care to elaborate?

[vegas-voss]

30 minutes ago, gashauskis9 said:

SG adopting a three strikes policy on Scottish football, and yet the SPFL does **** all about it other than postponing games.  Guarantee that the next team that breaches the rules will end up with a points deduction and massive fine.

They were not even going to do that until the government stepped in.

[David Black]

8 minutes ago, The Real Maroonblood said:

That would be a shame if they had to forfeit the tie.

I would be gutted, as I'm sure we all would.

[NANOJAMBO]

12 minutes ago, DETTY29 said:

So it is player fault only and not club responsibility.....

I think the SPFL are simply refusing to get involved : they see it as a player/players breaching govt guidelines and not SPFL rules. That's why they continually refer to the JRG as the body that's cancelling games/making decisions to give the appearance it's not Doncaster/SPFL Board. 

[The Real Maroonblood]

3 minutes ago, David Black said:

I would be gutted, as I'm sure we all would.

[WDJ87]

Was loving this until seen the news we now cannot play friendlies. Septic and Sheep get away with it and the next club will get hammered. Please let the next club be Hibs. Only way I will cheer up. Nice how they still find a way to **** us over when we have done nothing wrong. Nothing new being said here but need to vent somehow.

[redjambo]

19 minutes ago, David Black said:

The fact that no other Celtic player has tested positive yet, means only that, YET. If 1 or 2 were to test positive in the next day or two, the 14 day quarantine rule would kick in which would mean their Champions League game would be cancelled and under EUFA guidelines, Celtic would have to forfeit the tie. 

 

Indeed. I really hope that doesn't happen. It would be so unfair on Celtic.

[David Black]

1 minute ago, WDJ87 said:

Was loving this until seen the news we now cannot play friendlies. Septic and Sheep get away with it and the next club will get hammered. Please let the next club be Hibs. Only way I will cheer up. Nice how they still find a way to **** us over when we have done nothing wrong. Nothing new being said here but need to vent somehow.

We're weeks away from playing friendlies. 

[heatonjambo]

20 minutes ago, The Real Maroonblood said:

That would be a shame if they had to forfeit the tie.

There is absolutely no chance they would be honest enough to own up to positive tests

 

no chance

[Lone Striker]

30 minutes ago, heartened said:

Rod Petrie, Chair of the JRG: “The Joint Response Group has acted swiftly and decisively in addressing the latest concerns raised by the minister on behalf of Scottish Government. While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.

 

 

 

Unavoidable and uncontestable.   There you go......... that's the spirit, Rod.    Lay down the law .... except....... there isn't a law.

 

They're making it up as they go along ..... just like their chums along the corridor  did in April.  Everything that corrupt mafia do is unavoidable and uncontestable - their own legal team say so, and they get away with it.

[XXX]

3 hours ago, JimmyCant said:

No new restrictions have been imposed by either country so that won’t apply. However surely UEFA will be looking at the breach of protocol and wondering if it’s wise to let Celtic travel given they’ve all been in contact with someone who should have isolated but didn’t. If I was Reykjavík I’d be on the phone to UEFA. Iceland have entry restrictions(mandatory test on arrival for example)but probably not enough to stop a football team getting in

 

On UEFA’s COVID-19 testing protocol for Celtic v KR Reykjavik:

 

If players and coaches test positive match WILL still go ahead as long as min 13 players registered on the A list (must include one goalkeeper) are available.

 

If fewer than 13, tie may be rescheduled or additional players registered.

 

The Celtic squad has since been tested twice and they’re all tested negative.

 

If Bolingoli later tests positive, then his Celtic squad and anyone else he has come into contact with (including the Kilmarnock players) would then have to self-isolate too.

 

As it stands, Bolingoli has returned two negative tests so this doesn’t yet apply.

[August Landmesser]

Just now, The Spy Who Loved Me said:

 

On UEFA’s COVID-19 testing protocol for Celtic v KR Reykjavik:

 

If players and coaches test positive match WILL still go ahead as long as min 13 players registered on the A list (must include one goalkeeper) are available.

 

If fewer than 13, tie may be rescheduled or additional players registered.

 

The Celtic squad has since been tested twice and they’re all tested negative.

 

If Bolingoli later tests positive, then his Celtic squad and anyone else he has come into contact with (including the Kilmarnock players) would then have to self-isolate too.

 

As it stands, Bolingoli has returned two negative tests so this doesn’t yet apply.

If that applied to SPFL games, Aberdeen would have had to play St J - still beggars belief that they were given the weekend off as a reward for breaking the rules.

[NANOJAMBO]

4 minutes ago, Lone Striker said:

 

 

Unavoidable and uncontestable.   There you go......... that's the spirit, Rod.    Lay down the law .... except....... there isn't a law.

 

They're making it up as they go along ..... just like their chums along the corridor  did in April.  Everything that corrupt mafia do is unavoidable and uncontestable - their own legal team say so, and they get away with it.

It doesn't even have a semblance of agreement with the government  or public health position. 

They're not doing it because it's the right thing to do, but because they have no alternative. 

Incredible levels of arrogance. 

[WDJ87]

7 minutes ago, David Black said:

We're weeks away from playing friendlies. 

Yes you are right but only gives the "top" teams even more time to **** it up for the rest of us.

[redjambo]

9 minutes ago, heatonjambo said:

There is absolutely no chance they would be honest enough to own up to positive tests

 

no chance

 

I wonder if the regular independently carried out test results are sent to both the club and the joint response group/government? I would hope that this is the case, but wouldn't be surprised if it weren't.

Edited August 11, 2020 by redjambo

[Lone Striker]

3 minutes ago, Barack said:

The reading of it to me about friendlies, is that it's purely applying to Aberdeen and Celtic.

 

If they don't play for a week then their match fitness suffers compared to the other 10 teams.

 

It also stops Celtic getting a bounce match(to avoid circumvention of postponement)in, before they're due to play Reykjavik.

 

Not any other club. We'll be fine. Unless someone else screws up...

Hope you're right 👍

[WDJ87]

7 minutes ago, Barack said:

The reading of it to me about friendlies, is that it's purely applying to Aberdeen and Celtic.

 

If they don't play for a week then their match fitness suffers compared to the other 10 teams.

 

It also stops Celtic getting a bounce match(to avoid circumvention of postponement)in, before they're due to play Reykjavik.

 

Not any other club. We'll be fine. Unless someone else screws up...

It is worded very vaguely but I am not seeing how it only refers to Celtic and Aberdeen? Not having a go just wonder how you came to that conclusion?

Needs clarification. I'd expect Budge will be asking that question. 

Edited August 11, 2020 by WDJ87

[HMFC01]

10 minutes ago, The Spy Who Loved Me said:

 

On UEFA’s COVID-19 testing protocol for Celtic v KR Reykjavik:

 

If players and coaches test positive match WILL still go ahead as long as min 13 players registered on the A list (must include one goalkeeper) are available.

 

If fewer than 13, tie may be rescheduled or additional players registered.

 

The Celtic squad has since been tested twice and they’re all tested negative.

 

If Bolingoli later tests positive, then his Celtic squad and anyone else he has come into contact with (including the Kilmarnock players) would then have to self-isolate too.

 

As it stands, Bolingoli has returned two negative tests so this doesn’t yet apply.

 

I suppose it's all eyes on Bolingoli then!  If he's negative by next Monday/Tuesday he might be considered safe.  The fact is it can take 2 weeks or more to test positive, unbelievable stuff.

 

Here's a recent example  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53739017   FC Drita versus Linfield.